Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o has drum support for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman amid his public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Gasperini sparked controversy after branding Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers” following his missed spot-kick in Atalanta’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, which sealed their 5-2 aggregate exit.
Disappointed by his manager’s remarks, Lookman fired back with a public statement, calling the comments “disrespectful” and expressing frustration at being singled out for criticism.
Read Also: Atalanta coach Gasperini slams Ademola Lookman as worst penalty taker
The Italian tactician’s harsh comments drew widespread condemnation, with support for Lookman coming from several football icons, including Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and former Inter and Barcelona forward Samuel Eto’o.
Read Also: Ademola Lookman fires back at Gasperini over ‘disrespectful’ comments
In a post on his official Instagram page, Eto’o, who is also the Cameroon FA president praised Lookman’s courage and assured him of Africa’s unwavering support.
“My young brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes, the time of a match, and then it’s on to the next,” Eto’o wrote.
“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only those who have the courage to take the shot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”
His message was accompanied by a picture of Lookman holding his Europa League gold medal from last season when his hat-trick inspired Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
Atalanta’s American co-owners are reportedly unhappy with Gasperini’s public criticism of Lookman, a key player for the club.
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